Life and Workforce Readiness Director

Holyoke YMCA • Holyoke, MA

3d

About The Position

The Life and Workforce Readiness Director provides strategic leadership for life skills, workforce development, and teen programming at Greater Holyoke YMCA for members ages 12–18. Reporting to the Senior Program Director, the role designs, delivers, and expands a continuum of programming through three stages: Explore, Develop, and Apply. Programming builds foundational skills in academic success, health and well-being, character and leadership, and life and workforce readiness, with the goal of career exploration, hands-on training, industry certifications, and real-world work experience.

The position supports the YMCA’s mission of strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. It recruits, develops, and supervises staff and volunteers; manages programming, budgets, outcomes, and partnerships; and helps create an inclusive, culturally sensitive environment responsive to teens’ needs. The Director may also support Early Education & Care and Out of School Time responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• At least three years of experience working with teens or youth and planning activities.
• One to two years of experience supervising community-based youth programs and developing programs.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Experience working in urban communities and managing an out-of-school-time program or other community-based youth program.
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing staff at different levels.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with parents, administrators, staff, and students.
• Excellent written and oral communication and organizational skills.
• Strong technical skills and ability to learn new programs quickly.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• CPR/First Aid Certification within three months.
• YMCA Leader Certification within six months.
• Mental Health First Aid Certification within 12 months.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Education or Social Work.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, develop, train, and supervise staff and volunteers.
• Design and implement diverse teen programming, including YMCA of the USA national programs, college and career exploration, mentoring, certified workforce training, and evidence-based curricula.
• Develop additional program offerings and expand the program portfolio in response to workforce trends, community needs, and emerging partner opportunities.
• Manage data and teen program outcome tracking for grant and contract reporting requirements.
• Work with each department to provide training, mentoring, workforce readiness support, and other resources to junior staff ages 18 and under.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the program budget to meet fiscal objectives.
• Establish and maintain relationships with service providers, community-based organizations, schools, and partners.
• Serve as liaison for the City of Holyoke Youth Task Force and other community-wide committees.
• Create and support a diverse, culturally sensitive environment relevant to teens’ needs.
• Manage adolescent behavior with respect, maturity, compassion, and encouragement.
• Support the Youth Services department with additional Early Education & Care and Out of School Time responsibilities as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director